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Chris Doyle
Member
Username: Christel
Post Number: 93
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 26, 2006 - 10:32 am: |   |
I have a 3 yr old colt in reining training. Trainer called this morning and told me he is having problems w/ him dropping out of lead in the rear, it happens on the really fast circles and on both sides. Sometimes he does it and other times not, trainer cant figure out why it happens when at other times it doesn't. He did say if he keeps him soft and 'gathered up' he doesn't do it as much. Trainer does not think it is a physical problem but is going to have him checked by a vet just in case.
Have any of you dealt w/ this?- What did you do to correct it? |
Christos Axis
Member
Username: Christos
Post Number: 1048
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 26, 2006 - 12:28 pm: | |
I know nothing about reining and how horses are trained in it, Chris, but 3yo sounds very young for fast, tight work in canter.
Generally, a horse will change the lead behind when he is tired and on the forehand.
Correct canter is very tiring for a young horse. The hind legs tire very easily, as they're not yet accustomed to carry so much weight.
As he tires, he will fall on the forehand to relieve his hind legs from carrying the weight and he will switch the lead to rest the inside hind.
Again, I know nothing of reining, but working a horse too early too hard in canter until he finds a way to relieve the pain seriously hurts his idea about collection and working off his hind end.
Generally, you want the young horse to sit on his hind legs for just a few steps, then do everything possible to show how pleased you were with him moving in such a fashion. Then, of course, you build those 5 steps into 10 and so on. |
Chris Doyle
Member
Username: Christel
Post Number: 94
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 26, 2006 - 1:48 pm: | |
Thanks Christos, I gather from your post this problem will take care of itself as he matures and gets stronger?
Trainer is contemplating pulling him out of this years futurity- due to this. I am wondering if the 5 months till futurity is enough time to strengthen him up.
Can you suggest some exercises that will strengthen his back legs?
Appreciate your reply,
Chris |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 1448
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 26, 2006 - 2:38 pm: | |
Chris, another thing you might want to do is check the saddle fit, especially if your horse is short backed. We had a horse in reining training that was doing this same thing. When we changed to a shorter saddle with less skirting, the problem stopped. Our horse was older than yours, and Christo's point is a good one. We don't do any serious work with our horses until they are four...too old for the futurities, but I just don't think they are mentally and physically ready for hard work until then. |
Christos Axis
Member
Username: Christos
Post Number: 1051
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 26, 2006 - 3:02 pm: | |
I think somebody with reining experience will help you more, Chris, I really don't know what would be required of this horse in competition.
Yes, canter leads, changes etc become significantly easier as the horse matures and strengthens up.
There are numerous exercises to build a stronger hind end, but I am very reluctant to suggest any as there are significant differences between disciplines and what will build a strong base in terms of way of moving for one discipline may create habits that are really difficult to correct for another.
From the little reining I have seen it is quite a workload for the horse's hind legs, you need no particular exercise. Normal reining should do.
Be careful, however. If the trainer has doubts, it may well mean that the horse needs time. He rides him, he knows. I would not push him to push my horse against his feeling. A ribbon is very rarely worth risking the horse's future. Too many horses are ruined in pursuit of a ribbon as a 3yo. |
Chris Doyle
Member
Username: Christel
Post Number: 95
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Jun 26, 2006 - 5:53 pm: | |
Sara, thanks for mentioning that about the saddle, very interesting, I will mention that to trainer. I wish the futurity was for 4 year olds instead of 3, that one year makes alot of difference, I agree it is a lot to ask of a 3 yr old.
Christos, thank you again, you give very good sound advice. I am asking this so I can be more informed when talking to trainer, hopefully won't sound like a complete idiot when discussing it- I don't ride reining horses either, just love to watch em. I participated in a reining clinic a few years ago, I know just enough to be dangerous.
Thanks again, and appreciate you both for taking the time to reply.
Chris |
